It makes sense - and / but - expensive

As an avid X-E1 users I also bought the corresponding handle it. As a camera without loop / belt carrier and owner of medium-sized men's hands, I had the problem that the small finger or rausholen Upon the camera occasionally reached into emptiness. The relatively flat housing provided with one-hand photos also for a slightly cramped hand posture.

From the handle I promised myself a better Gehäusehaptik. However, was skeptical about whether it really brings the hoped-for stabilization because of the small dimensions. A quick test with the attached handle enough. Yeah, that part remains off forever. Excellent. The case now feels grown up "and is now like a glove in my hand. No problems when holding more. One-hand photos from all wrist positions without risk of slipping possible. No concerns more wg. Something heavier lenses (18-55mm and the coming 55-200mm).

The handle is indeed contrary to the camera made in Japan, but from China. The processing is identical with the housing. It fits like a tailored suit. No gaps, no wobbles. The floor is subtly rubberized, practical when parking on a glass table :). The handle corrugation is somewhat finer than the camera, but not particularly falls on. The plastic feels even better than on the camera. The tripod mount is now in the optical axis. The De / -Assembly can be easily accomplished with the integrated thumbscrew.

Why the designers have not thought to facilitate the battery or card is inserted, is beyond me. To change this, the handle must be completely dismantled. A recess in the floor would have been enough ...

Why the handle about 20 is more expensive than the handle for the big sister model X-PRO1 is me a mystery.

Because the two negative aspects, I prefer from a point of the total points.

Overall, a great product that will hopefully in similar quality (with the recess in the bottom of the battery / card exchange) copied or offered cheaper. Since the X-E1 is looking forward to the Christmas markets with its countless Low Light motives, I can not wait that long :).

Update 07:01:13

Meanwhile I use adapted lenses Super telephoto (300mm). In handsfree use of up to 1.3 kg lens the difference with or without a handle is quite clear.